3Com announced that it will give out a “Web pad” to the media and fans in the sky boxes at 3Com Park beginning on September 10. The “Web pad” will be capable of checking e-mail, sports statistics, and even ordering the stadium's garlic fries, and will only work inside the stadium.

The Web pad is approximately the size of a steno pad and will be offered free of charge. 3Com hopes to eventually offer the pad to all ticket holders.

It's interesting to see that 3Com is doing something “techy” for its fans in the park that is actually named after the company. In this case, it's enabling some fans to check their e-mail and look up stats on players while they enjoy the game.

I previously wrote about another company that's offering the ability to check e-mail and stats during a baseball game. In the other company's case, though, you had to get a card and wait your turn at a kiosk. In this scenario, each person has his or her own private device.

The news item didn't mention anything about how much these devices are costing but I'm sure that when coupled with the cost of the wireless 'Net surroundings, they're a pretty penny. 3Com is saying that the device only works inside the park. My guess is you'll soon see if it works elsewhere as fans manage to sneak it out of the park and start hacking it.

I'm still torn on whether or not a device like this really belongs at a sporting event. While it's nice to be able to check the latest stats, people have been doing that for years by looking at the program at the event. The fact that you can also check your e-mail means that, once again, work can infiltrate our free time.

USER COMMENTS 11 comment(s)

Oh my god, a sports item(8:16am EST Wed Aug 23 2000)I doubt stats will be checked most often (read – porn). Plus, having this thing will mean not having to buy the program. And as for sneaking one of these things out of the park, it might happen, but the people that are getting these web pads are the ones that are sitting in the luxury boxes and probably don't need to steal anything. Not like the schleps sitting in the bleachers. Of course, if they're smart they'll just chain them down. - by Athletic Supporter

Actually(8:19am EST Wed Aug 23 2000)I hate to see you pick on poor people in the bleachers. I think that rich people are much more likely to steal than “schleps sitting in the bleachers.” After all, you don't often get rich by being nice… - by Tim

yeah…(8:44am EST Wed Aug 23 2000)

i'm rich and i would definitely steal one of these.

- by General Electric

Nothing is Free(9:16am EST Wed Aug 23 2000)The reason they are giving them only to box holders and media in the beginning, is unlike the bleacher seats, they know who owns every box and media pass. They can make the parent company pay for any stolen unit.

If they ever give them out to the general audience, it may still be free, but they will certaintly require your credit card as a deposit until the unit is returned.

Still it is a great idea and a neat trial.

Videogames have been instantly updating the players stats for years, it nice to have the same level of information for the real game.

Play on. - by Go 3com

Cool(10:10am EST Wed Aug 23 2000)The more that wireless technology is used like this, the better we (the users) will be for it. This will also be a high-profile item that I am sure the TV Broadcasters will comment on as well, which will feed the hype. - by Todd

Advertising(11:31am EST Wed Aug 23 2000)Sure they probably cost a bit of money, but 3com can make the money back the same way all web sites do these days – advertising. I bet half of the screen will be dedicated to ads… like “go buy some snacks NOW” or “come to booth xxx to get a free t-shirt” etc - by Gei

User Friendlyness?(12:34pm EST Wed Aug 23 2000)I mean i know a palm computer isnt SO hard to figure out, but i mean to most people, trying to learn how to use a computer is a dreaded and intimidating task. Until the whole world has their own consumer-electronic computers like PPCs or palms, i think the webpad wont be in much use.and btw, these things shood be using bluetooth, rite? - by eDDy

Why steal it?(12:53pm EST Wed Aug 23 2000)It's 3Coms stadium, the sky box is sold or rented, 3Com gets that money, certainly a little more than the device costs. So they throw in this device for people who are already giving them tons of cash. The only place to use the device is (drum roll please)…in the stadium! Knock, knock, knock…McFly? It will be like taking those padded seats or an umbrella to the ball game. Don't leave home without it. It would be cool if you could review the replays on it! - by 'Lil'Sic

The trend could continue in New England(1:00pm EST Wed Aug 23 2000)“Foxboro Stadium has new name: CMGI field ” is a head line at www.Boston.com . CMGI is a company that invests in internet companies. The article in speculating on the future of the new stadium mentioned the words “SMART SEAT”. A seat that could do what 3COM is planning on doing. - by An average Joe

Wrong assumptions.(7:55am EST Sun Aug 27 2000)3Com pays a fee to the city who owns the stadium so that they get to put their name on it. The Sky Box rent goes to the city / team. The wireless technology in use is 802.11b if my inside info is correct. - by That Dude

thanks(11:58pm EST Sat Jan 07 2006)This is an excellent site thanks for the information! - by andy